What To Do in Halifax: Look at these Hidden Gems!
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to figure out what to do in your local communities. Whether you are looking for something to do on a casual Wednesday night or for your inner-province staycation, here you will find all of the best places to go during your time in Halifax, Nova Scotia! Below, we have broken up these activities into which time of year they are our favourites to visit, but remember most are open year round! At each activity, you will find a quick link to the company’s page for easy finding!
Summer Guide
Visit Terra Cafe, in the Alexander Keith’s Market
What are you craving today - velvety smooth ground coffee, gourmet sandwiches, or freshly baked goods? Well, Terra Cafe has it all! Offering a photo-worthy cafe experience like no other, Terra Cafe is the place to be for a quick lunch or a place to grab coffee on your way to work on Monday mornings. Their customer service paired with their uncompromising focus on quality is bound to leave your taste buds wanting more. Don’t forget your Over Sea Card to get 10% off your order!
Walk the Public Gardens
Being centrally located, the Public Gardens is the perfect place to see beautiful flowers and other greenery along its paths. There is even a little gift shop inside the gated gardens offering uniquely local gifts for you and your loved ones.
Be amazed with the performances at the annual Buskers Festival
If you find yourself walking down the waterfront in late-July or early-August, you will be amazed at all of the talented performers that come from all over the globe! From interactive break-dancing to fire performers, you are bound to have a great time!
Cool off at Crystal Crescent Beach
By far the best beach close to Halifax and Dartmouth is Crystal Crescent Beach. Between the light blue waters, white sand and their numerous food trucks, locals come here feeling like they’ve just stepped foot onto an LA beach. Bring your sandals and sunscreen - jump in!
Get some delicious milkshakes at Flynn’s Dairy Bar
What better way to cool off in the hot summer sun than an ice cream or gourmet milkshake? At Flynn’s, their extra large milkshakes come in unique flavours, some of which have large treats on top! We know - delish! Our favourites are the Giant Oreo milkshake topped with an ice cream sandwich and the Strawberry Cheesecake milkshake with a literal piece of cheesecake on top. Yummy!
Take a ride on an electric scooter
Ride in style throughout downtown Halifax and Dartmouth on the brand new e-scooters brought to HRM by Segway tours! For less than a dollar per minute, this is bound to be an experience that you will never forget!
Fall Guide
Test your skills at an old school arcade at the Chocolate Lake Hotel
From Ms. Pac-Man to Donkey Kong, they have it all at this old school arcade! A kind of secret gem in Halifax, this old school arcade is located on the lower level of the Chocolate Lake Hotel - but don’t worry, non-guests are allowed to visit and the front desk will be more than happy to help you find your way!
Beer, food and vinyl! Hopyard has all of the essentials!
If you love old school vinyl as mush as us, this is the place for you! Offering a wide range of food, beer and yes, vinyl, has everyone going to Hopyard! With the classics’ album art on the walls and the records themselves in the restaurant for you to choose from, this dining experience is one you will never forget. Don’t forget your Over Sea Card to get 10% off your order!
Watch Downtown Halifax and Dartmouth transform into a walking art exhibit at the annual Nocturne: Art at Night
Every October we watch people gather around the downtown areas of HRM for the annual Nocturne: Art at Night exhibits. With artists from all over the globe, you and your loved ones can walk around the city taking in beautiful art projects - talk about the perfect date night!
Explore the BLT Rails to Trails and see all of the beautiful fall leaves on the Bluff Wilderness Trail
Uniquely repurposed old railroad tracks, the BLT Rails to Trails allows for an easy walk on beautiful autumn days. Within the trail, there are several loops for the avid hiker that each run around four hours. Even if you skip the extra trails, you’re bound to see some lakes, stunning look offs and maybe even see some wildlife!
Eat at the only remaining Nova Scotia drive-in diner, The Chickenburger
Even 70 years later, The Chickenburger is still thriving in Bedford, Nova Scotia. From the outside walk-up order windows to the interior retro design, you are never going to want to leave! Don’t forget to grab a burger while you’re there - so juicy!
Visit the Museum of Natural History
Have you ever seen a 70 year old tortoise? Well, at the Museum of Natural History you can meet Gus, and see how he has lived so long! Along with Gus, there are more animals for you to meet, and an ever-changing exhibit to peak anyone’s interest!
Winter Guide
Warm up with some delicious fondue at Cacao 70 Eatery
Want to find the best chocolate and fondue in the city? Look no further than Cacao 70 Eatery! From it’s modern finishes to delicious waffles, this is the best spot to take your significant other, your friends, or to just treat yourself! And don’t even get us started on the individual chocolate fondue pot paired with fresh fruit - mouth watering!
Go sledding at Merv Sullivan Park with the whole family
What better way to spend your winter vacation than to go sledding? At Merv Sullivan Park, there is plenty of space to make sure you don’t bump into those around you, and enough of an incline to get some serious speed!
Play some trivia at the Board Game Cafe
Try your luck with the 500+ games that they have, this cafe is sure to get your competitive side showing! With delicious snacks and drinks for all ages, you are sure to have a great time when visiting the Board Game Cafe! They even have some dartboards, arcade machines and pool tables for you to use!
A delicious centre piece for your next gathering or a fun night in, CheyCuterie is the way to go!
Locally owned and operated, CheyCuterie is by far the best charcuterie board in HRM! From classic charcuterie boards to themes such as brunch, movie night and even hot cocao in the winter, you are bound to find something here for everyone to love! Order online or pick up or delivery within Halifax.
Skate under the stars (or sun) at the Emera Oval
Open year-round, the Oval is the best place to go to have some fun outdoors and get a little exercise! A walking/running track in the warm weather and an outdoor skating rink in the winter, you are bound to have a blast! Forgot your skates at home? No problem! You can rent some for free - just ask the front desk for assistance!
Watch The Nutcracker at the Rebecca Cohn Theatre
A cherished holiday tradition for years, The Nutcracker is an annual event at the Rebecca Cohn Theatre every December! Buy your tickets in advance for your preferred dates and enjoy as your favourite characters come to life on stage right in front of you!
Spring Guide
Grab brunch at the cosy Elle’s Bistro
With all day breakfast options and fresh mimosas, you are sure to find something for everyone at Elle’s! From the fresh ingredients to locally sourced seafood, their food is just like how our mother’s used to make on Sunday mornings with the perks of not having to do the dishes after! Be sure to reserve a table in advance if you’re visiting on Saturdays or Sundays to skip the line!
Visit the Halifax Central Library
This beautiful piece of architecture is in the core of Halifax, making it an important part of its growing culture and society. Check-out the five floors of books, featuring breath-taking views, a sound recording studio, a section with several video game consoles and even a LGBTQ2S wall! While you're here, take a look at the building from the outside - what do you see? Some say it looks like a stack of books!
Watch the sunset at Africville Museum and walk at its park
Stationed right on the harbour, this land that once represented a horrific event now showcases beauty and growth. Check out the museum to learn more about the history of Africville, and stay awhile to watch the sunset on the water or spend some time at the playground! The rich history of this place only adds to the elegance of the park that is there.
Go to a Mooseheads game at the Scotiabank Centre
Halifax’s very own Mooseheads can be watched from the Scotiabank Centre in the downtown core. You haven’t seen a true hockey game until you’ve seen it in person - from the electric energy of the crowd around you, the referee’s whistles to even the halftime shows where patrons in the stand can win prizes! Sounds like a great time to us!
Spark your creativity at the Clay Cafe
With locations in both Halifax and Dartmouth, the Clay Cafe is the best place to unwind after a busy week and let your creative juices flow! They have pre-made ceramics for you to choose from and then all you have to do is pick out your paint colours! When finished, they will then be put in a special stove to set the colours and be glazed! You can expect to pick up your art work within four to seven days!
Perfect for Every Season
Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS)
Featuring pieces from local artists, the AGNS is the best place to fuel your creative side while having a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city! They have a spectacular Maud Lewis exhibit which features a life size version of the little house she lived in and where she painted most of her art works.
Eat delicious pasta at Chanoey’s Pasta
A play on the owner’s favourite TV Show characters, Chandler and Joey from Friends, this new fast-casual restaurant serves up classic and new pasta dishes within 3 minutes! Check out their daily specials on social media or just stop in - the owners are more than happy to suggest their best meals!
Go to the Discovery Centre
Located on Lower Water Street, you are bound to find activities for all ages here! With constantly changing exhibits, their interactive learning approach has everyone having fun throughout their visit!
Shop local at the Seaport Farmers Market
Whether you are looking for farm fresh food, the perfect birthday gift for a friend or some delicious hot foods, the farmers market is the place to be! With 70+ vendors, you are bound to find something for anyone - even yourself! So get out there and support local!
Get a classic Donair at King of Donair
It is illegal to visit or live in Halifax and not eat a donair. Okay, it’s not illegal per se, but it should be! The donair is the un-official food of the city and with only one taste it is easy to understand why. With freshly shaved meat, onions, tomatoes and their secret recipe donair sauce, you are going to be left full, yet wanting more!
Let us Know!
Now that you know all of our favourite spots in HRM, let us know if you’ve visited them! Don’t forget to tell us your favourites - we always love to explore our city like it’s our first time!